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Chinese Historical Society of America
A visit to the Chinese Historical Society of America offers a look into the history of the Chinese in the United States. Inside, you will find personal and historical narratives of the immigration challenges that faced this group as well as rotating exhibits featuring Chinese American artists.
This museum first opened in 1963. It moved to its current location, a beautiful historic Julia Morgan building (the old Chinatown YMCA), in 2001.
The entrance to the Chinese Historical Society in SF's ChinatownYour visit begins the minute you step inside this SF museum. During my last visit, the lobby included an exhibit about the impact of the 1906 Earthquake on the Chinatown District.
You will often find at least one exhibit in this area.
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Main Gallery
After you are done in the lobby, you will head to your left, into the main gallery. This is the heart of this Chinatown attraction.
The main gallery starts with the 'Crossing the Pacific' exhibit. This is where you can learn what it was like to take the journey from China to America.
From here, you then walk through the area that explains how the Chinese American's built their homes. It also takes you through the history of some of their early communities.
My favorite part of this gallery is the display explaining the impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. It was one of the most restrictive immigration laws ever. It mainly targeted Chinese laborers trying to come to the US.
It also affected Chinese immigrants that were already in the country. It made it very difficult for them to visit their families in China and then return to the US.
It's one of the only places where you can hear personal stories about those impacted by the act. You can also learn more about what their families went through, on both sides of the Pacific, after the act passed in the US.
The final part of this gallery includes traveling exhibits. Items on display range from modern day Chinese American art to historical pieces.
Other Things to See Here
The Courtyard
The courtyard is a small, outdoor space next to the main gallery. There aren't any exhibits out here, but it does offer some seating where you can relax and unwind during your visit.
Circle and Square
The Circle and Square exhibit is part of the Chinese Historical Society of America's creative spaces project. This exhibit is by Leon Sun.
According to Sun, the circle and square together represent heaven and earth. The configuration you see in the picture above spells the Chinese character 'Tian', which means 'Field'. It represents human activities and presence on the land.
It's a replica of the one he created in his personal garden.
You are welcome to sit down and experience the Circle and Square exhibit during your visit.
Admission, Hours & Tips to Get Here
Hours
This SF museum is open the following days and hours:
- Wednesday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission Prices & Tickets
- $15: General Admission for Adults
- $10: General Admission for Seniors (over 65)
- $10: Students with ID and Young Adults from 13-17
- Free for kids 12 and under
You can pick up your tickets at the entrance to the Chinese Historical Society of America entrance.
The museum is also part of the California Discover and Go Program. Contact your local California Library for information on getting free tickets to this museum.
They are also part of the Blue Star Museum. This offers free admission to active military members and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Please present your current ID upon arrival for free tickets.
Location & Tips to Get Here
The museum is at 965 Clay Street, which is between Stockton and Powell Streets in Chinatown. Here is a map showing its location.
From Union Square:
- Walking: If you love walking, this is the best way to get from Union Square to the museum. It is half a mile (about 6.5 city blocks) from the heart of the square.
- 30 Stockton: Another option is to take the 30-Stockton bus. This bus picks up along Sutter Street. It turns at Stockton to head north into Chinatown. It's a busy bus and runs often. Take the bus to the Clay and Stockton stop and walk a half block up Clay Street to the museum.
From Fisherman's Wharf:
- Powell-Mason Cable Car: The easiest way to get here from Fisherman's Wharf is by taking the Powell-Mason Cable Car line. Pick it up at Bay and Taylor Streets. Take it all the way to the Powell and Clay Street stop. Walk down the hill a half a block to the museum.
